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| USN Gleaves-class destroyer 1,630 Tons X 5 x 5" 38 cal guns 6 x 20mm cannons 6 x .50 cal MG 10 x 21" torpedo tubes 2 x depth charge tracks |
Ship History Built by Boston Navy Yard in Boston. Laid down June 1, 1939 as Gleaves-class destroyer. Launched April 24, 1940 as USS Meredith (DD-434) named for U.S. Marine Sgt Jonathan Meredith the second ship with the name sponsored by sponsored by Miss Ethel Dixon Meredith. Commissioned March 1, 1941 in the U.S. Navy (USN) and underwent a shakedown cruise off Cuba. On June 8, 1941 returns to Boston and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, Destroyer Division 22 (DesDiv 22) and patrols. Wartime History On September 28, 1941 based at Hvalfjörður, Iceland and patrols from Iceland to the Denmark Straits. On October 17, 1941 rescuse survivors from Empire Wave. PARTIAL HISTORY Sinking History On October 15, 1942 off San Cristobal embarks the crew of tug USS Vireo (AT-144) when Japanese carrier planes from Shokaku and Zuikaku arrive before the destroyer can scuttle the tug with a torpedo. Meredith was targeted by 8 A6M2 Zero escorting 21 Vals from Shōkaku plus nine B5N Kates from Zuikaku and hit by bombs and a torpedo. Fates of the Crew On October 16, 1942 a PBY Catalina from VP-51 (VP-51) spotted the drifiting tug USS Vireo (AT-144) and radioed their position and were later rescued by ship. Awards For her World War II service, USS Meredith earned one battle stars. References The First Team and the Guadalcanal Campaign (1994) pages 309-310 (Meredith) Destroyer History Foundation - USS Meredith (DD-434) NavSource - USS Meredith (DD-434) Thanks to Jim Sawruk for additional information Contribute
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